Thapsia (Thapsia villosa, Sp. pl. 1:261. 1753)

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:261. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Thapsia

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. France to Iberian Pen., NW. Africa

Description

Thapsia, scientifically known as Thapsia villosa, is a noteworthy plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. Diverse and robust in its habitat, Thapsia is found predominantly in various regions ranging from Southern France to the Iberian Peninsula and even extending into Northwestern Africa.

First described in full botanical literature in 1753, Thapsia villosa has been recognized and cataloged under “Sp. pl. 1:261” by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, who is often denoted simply by the initial “L.” The plant’s widespread presence in these Mediterranean climates underscores its adaptability and ecological significance.

Thapsia is often identified by its distinctive features, typically exhibiting hairy stems and intricate compound leaves which are characteristic of the Apiaceae family. Its lifecycle and growth patterns align with the typical seasonal variations found in its native regions. This plant has been the subject of various studies, attributed to its unique properties and traditional usage in folk medicine. Over the centuries, it has garnered interest not only for its botanical and ecological attributes but also for its potential medicinal applications.

Given its historical and geographical significance, Thapsia continues to be a subject of active research and interest within the botanical community. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments, coupled with its distinctive physical characteristics, makes it a fascinating species worthy of further exploration and understanding.

Common Names

Fra: thapsie
En: Thapsia
Ca: Fonollassa groga
Fr: Thapsie
Es: Cañaheja, Candileja hedionda, Zumillo

Synonyms

• Laserpitium villosum ((L.) Calest.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• France (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by gianni (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Giovanni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2019 by Erika Babini (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2020 by Jiménez Quero Roberto José (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2019 by Erika Babini (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Grace (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2015 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2020 by raulpmartins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2017 by Michele (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 28, 2020 by Christophe Meyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Fresquita Palangana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Carmen Carmen Clemente (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by alvarez jose luis (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 13, 2020 by Coscollano Helena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 27, 2020 by Justine de Potter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2022 by Raúl (Este Madrid) (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6026828)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:849356-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Thapsia villosa L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 4